Autumn Leaves in Nikko | Visit Tochigi

Autumn leaves season brings a lot of joys to every resident of Nikko knowing that its economy fully depends on tourism. They welcome fall season and start preparing for momiji especially the areas that are located outside the main town of Nikko. You never know how beautiful it could be unless you pay your attention to it and plan to have a great trip on a shinny autumn day. In fact, I have never understood the autumn beauty there until I made my very first trip to Nikko with my parents back in 2005.

Being one of the best four season destinations in Japan many foreign visitors eagerly set their mind to explore Nikko’s divine beauty. Something special awaits you anywhere you go in Nikko. If you are smart enough whose main destination is in Tokyo to see its autumn foliage could make it much brighter visiting Nikko.

The distance between these two places is not that far away, fortunately Nikko is located just about 125 km away of north Tokyo. Tobu railway is the best option that comes with free passes for foreign tourist. So, when you are offered something special then don’t hesitate to take that. Tobu railway would be pleased to assist everything for you in terms of transportation to get to Nikko’s famous places.

The Best Time to See Autumn Foliage in Nikko

Nikko’s Outdoor Nature in Autumn. Photo Credit: takahiro arakawa.

In order to see awesome colorful leaves in Nikko you have got to find out a period of time that could help you to organize your whole trip. Just like you who is interested in visiting Nikko during fall season, I was pretty concerned myself about the best time for viewing autumn leaves though my parents managed it wisely by making a phone call to one of our relatives there. Do it as I say here, I mean if you have relatives or friends there make a phone call and ask him/her this question “When is the best time for autumn leaf in Nikko”? Even though I am babbling here I better tell you the info that you are searching for. October is expected to the best month of seeing fall foliage in Nikko. The peak season is between mid October and Late October. According to my experience I warmly welcome you to visit Nikko in mid October. Is that clear?

Where to View Autumn Leaves in Nikko?

It’s seen to be the number two concern while the first one forecasts you about the best time for seeing autumn foliage. Suppose you know the time of autumn season but you have no practical ideas about the best places to view autumn foliage. I know this could happen to anyone. Since you are on this site, I will awfully make you aware of this, and then make leave the site with a smiley face.

I always prefer hunting for a wild autumn colors better than seeing it in urban area. Here in Nikko, I tell you to discover the sight of Okunikko region which is best for its autumn colors. Beautiful valley, waterfalls, wide marshlands, lake, trails, sightseeing roads, temples and gardens get dressed up with colorful leaves all over Nikko.

The wide range in elevation from the mountains of the Okunikko region to Nikko town area down in the valley makes Nikko having the longest coloring season of Japan. It is constant, it hardly changes. The below are the best places to view colors:

1) Lake Chuzenji:

This is one of my best autumn leaves viewing spots in Nikko. Surprisingly, it is my number one spot while on the other hand many people awfully believe that Ryuzu falls is the best one. I shall bring my reasons to have a peaceful debate. Here it goes. As I like mountainous region filled with tons of trees that turn colorful in fall season and lake with blue water, here I strongly believe Lake Chuzenji is what gives everything I want from a beautiful sunny autumn day. The surrounding areas of this lake is stunning with those colorful forested slopes of the Mount Nantai. There are two ways of enjoying autumn colors, either you walk around the lake or get in the sightseeing cruise. I think most of you would go with the option number two which is time consuming and relaxing but I walked down the paths of the lakes and all of a sudden I lost my mind in the divine autumn nature. You can follow my travel idea if you are adventurous. In fact, there is other way you can enjoy your time there which is from the Hangetsuyama Observation Deck. Get a nice binocular to see the far autumn foliage across the lake. The best time to see beautiful autumn colors there is from mid October to late October.

2) Ryuzu Falls:

If you like waterfall much then this place is for you. Put this in the first place and that’s non of my business. Please just don’t think I am rude. In fact, I like visiting waterfall just like you do. I don’t know if Niagara falls gets covered with autumn colors but Ryuzu falls gets it. According to my travel experience most of the Japanese waterfalls look lovely during autumn season. It is actually the first spot that surrounding trees of the waterfall change color in early October in Nikko. The shape of the fall looks like a dragon head as a result this waterfall was named as Ryuzu which simply means ‘the head of a dragon’. You can follow the upstream along an impressive walking trail to enjoy autumn nature there. Though there is a nice looking observation deck from where you could witness the mystic autumn colors at free of cost. I think this waterfall is a real pride of Okunikko region. I also request you to visit two other prominent falls they are: Kirifuri Falls and Urami Falls. These could amuse and show you some hidden beauty of Nikko’s autumn nature.

3) Senjogahara Marshland:

Before I was familiar with this spot I was very keen to hear a local’s view of this marshland. I was in a restaurant having my lunch and luckily I got a company with a local guy. He actually made me to visit this amazing vast marshland telling that ‘when I was a kid I used to go to the marshland area with my grandfather in the fall season to witness the spectacular view of yellow and reddish color foliage’. Hearing such I almost was going to offer him to take me there but he himself had offered me the opportunity that I really want! How lucky I was! It is a part of Nikko national park and offers best hiking experience for real hikers. We hiked through the beautiful Senjogahara plateau nature trail seeing the yellow golden reddish foliage and surrounding mountains. That time i felt like the nature was trying to grasp us! Hey, you come on over here in October and have fun!

4) Irohazaka Winding Road:

Astonishing view of autumn foliage along with waterfalls can be seen here. Irohazaka winding road consists of a pair of roads that are connected with the lower elevation of central Nikko to the higher elevation of Okunikko region. During fall season the roads get busier with heavy traffic since no one wants to fall behind you and miss the autumn beauty. As a foreign tourist you can avoid it by not getting there on weekends or on public holidays. You can enjoy viewing the valley and Irohazaka autumn colors from the observation deck of Akechidaira Plateaus. If you are serious enough to visit this spot then don’t forget to get here from late October to early November.

5) Yumoto Town:

Yunoko Lake Autumn Relfaction, Yumoto. Photo Credit: Cameron B

This spot is famed for autumn color and ryokan that have some great hot springs bath facility. It is another gorgeous landmark of the Nikko National Park. Yumoto could be a small town but you don’t underestimate it when it comes to onsen. Yumoto town hot springs are the real example of great Japanese onsen. Though, I believe you won’t never forget the autumn beauty of Yunoko lake and Yudaki waterfall. Yumoto onsen town, Yunoko lake and Yudaki waterfall are tremendous when surrounding trees leaves change their colors. Enjoy three different autumn color spots in a single town in mid October.

6) Kegon Falls:

You have experienced some awesome looking waterfalls so far in Nikko but here is another one that is considered to be one of the best three waterfalls together with Nachi waterfalls and Fukuroda waterfalls in Japan. Wouldn’t it be great to see autumn foliage there then? It is approximately 100 meters tall waterfall that can be enjoyed from a free observation deck or if you want to see it from a nice spot to have an impressive look then take the elevator. Just don’t forget to pay when you take the elevator. Being one of the autumn leaf viewing spots in Nikko it gets crowded during the peak season in mid October. I think it is a great photogenic spots in Japan! In fact, I am not exaggerating this because I know this place well enough.

7) Shoyoen Garden:

Could we get back to the main town of Nikko now? I think we could! Here, there is a popular spot for enjoying autumn colors that is called Shoyoen Garden and part of famous Buddhist temple Rinnoji. It would certainly be avoided by you if you make your Nikko trip in early and mid October. But I request you to stay here few days to experience this spot in early November. Your time you will be gone if you meet the locals and decide to hike. The temple ground has many maple trees that turn red during its peak season.

8) The Shinkyo Bridge:

This is one of my favorite places on earth. I adore our (Japanese style) bridge very much and when it comes to koyo season Japanese Bridges look brilliantly beautiful. Shinkyo bridge is seen one of the best high quality bridges in Japan. In general, it is a part of Futarasan Shrine. You can enjoy the autumn color walking across the bridge as many as time you want. It features a beautiful scenery of traditional looking Japanese autumn atmosphere. As it is located in central Nikko accessing to this spot is very easy from Shinkyo bus stop. You are advised to come here in early November.

I have described you the best autumn leaf spots of Nikko. Now, I expect you to visit at least some of these and thus how you would imagine the beauty of Nikko’s autumn colors.

Where to Stay in Nikko?

Gorgeous colors in Nikko! Photo Credit: Rosino at Flickr.

Nikko offers its visitors high quality of accommodation in hotels and ryokans. Free Wi-Fi internet is provided in various hotels and restaurants. Nikko’s ryokans offers best onsen where you could relax after having a day trip. Everything is in order, whenever you call for any help they are ready to serve you at once.

I could recommend some hotels here for you:

Hotel Shikisai: This is a quite nice ryokan (Japanese inn) with both indoor and outdoor hot springs baths. The hotel itself has a restaurant from where you could have your breakfast and dinner. It is situated just a 35-minute drive from Nikko Toshogu and Futarasan Shrine. It is a 10-minute drive from the Kegon Waterfall and a 15-minute drive from the Senjo-ga-hara Plateau. Check it out and see if you could find your room there.

Oyado Ichifuji: When you are in Japan then there is nothing good than staying in a ryokan. In fact, it is a must thing to do for foreign visitors. To make your dream come true you can fully reply on Oyado Ichifuji that offers everything you really need for staying in a hotel. It is located a 5-mintue walk from Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway. Here visitors hardly leave Nikko without visiting Kinugawa Onsen area which is seen to be one of the best hot springs resorts in the city of Nikko. Find your room here.

Well, you can find out popular hotels and Ryokan around Nikko, so visit here. I hope you find the best deal!

How to Get to Nikko?

Terminal Station of the Tobu-Nikko Line, Japan. Photo Credit: jpellgen

I have already informed you that Nikko is situated not that much far away from central Tokyo. Nikko is linked with Tokyo by Tobu railway and JR railway. If you have Tobu Pass then you would easily get to Nikko from Tokyo cover all the spots I have mentioned here. Tobu railway offers various free passes for tourist which make you possible to take unlimited train and bus rides. Tobu Railway currently offers two amazing passes for you they are: 1) 2 Day Nikko Pass and 2) All Nikko Pass. You can find more in detailed information on its official site.

There is given a map and some guide to access to Nikko. You can find it here.

Useful Travel Tips for Nikko Visitors

Nikko’s outdoor beauty in Autumn! Photo Credit: Chen Qu at Flickr.

1) Don’t lose your passes, always put them in your hand bag, just show them when you are asked.

2) I always recommend visitors to keep a Japan travel guide and a map. It’s easier to locate where you are. I could recommend a useful japan guide here.

3) Have local foods because they awaits you to taste them.

4) I think having a Japanese word book would help you a lot from unexpected trouble. For you I have found a nice Japanese picture dictionary here.

5) Collect the address and phone number of the hotel you are staying in.

6) Buy unique souvenirs for someone you know back in your home country.

7) Charge your camera battery fully on the night before your trip begins on the next day.

8) Keep your eyes open while you hike.

9) Be polite when meeting local strangers there.

10) Bring your all necessary stuffs that you need as daily basis.

11) Read this article to get rid of some problem you might face in Japan. If you are first time visitor in Japan then this page is yours.

I Feel Like I Belong to Nikko

Sometimes I really feel that I belong to beautiful Nikko. You would find a peaceful autumn atmosphere there that sounds to you very relaxing. I know you have your own business in your home country. Some of you may don’t have much time to spend time with your family members. But when you are in Nikko just feel like you are free from your daily activities that usually keep you busy. Beautiful autumn foliage there makes me happy but it does make me sad as well when it’s time for leaving. Even though my heart wants to belong to Nikko my body simply pulls me where I really belong to. Enjoy your autumn leaves season in Nikko and if you ever been to Nikko then share your experience with us by leaving a comment below.

Every picture is credited properly to its owners. Most of the photos are taken from Flickr.com through Creative Commons licensing. Kyuhoshi does not own any of the photographs used in any posts and pages until it is mentioned. It may earn revenue on this page based on affiliate relationships and advertisements with partners including Amazon.com and others. Thanks for your understanding.